It’s wonderful to see the media industry and the general populace acknowledging Black History Month. Its a far cry from a not so distant past when the only time you heard the term black history being used was in a dismissive or derogatory manner
But how far exactly have we come?
Black people have undoubtedly had a big impact in our history and continue to play a crucial role in our modern multicultural society. The big question must however be asked; “What of the future”? Will black academics look back 50 years from now and say; “Nothing has changed”? If black people are still passed over for promotion, still discriminated against and still denied an equal part in our society then it can mean only one thing. The fundamental right to equality and fair treatment, the expectation to judge and be judged by a set of standards that apply equally to all, the belief that we all want the same things in life and if you work hard enough you have as much chance of achieving these as anyone else is a sham. The pious claims made by presidents and politicians alike to create a equal society for all, the laws drafted and written into our constitutions to that effect are falsehoods, nothing but cruel deceptions that serve to keep black people oppressed and in servitude.
Knowing that you will never truly be accepted or treated fairly in society changes the way you view and begin to navigate your way through that society. Could it be that black and white are incapable of collectively sharing and taking equal part in a fair, open and integrated society working towards mutual predefined goals. Should we instead put the brakes on any idea of multiculturalism choosing instead to co- exist operating within our own spheres.
That is perhaps the question that every professional black man & woman who want to see change must be asking themselves. Unless black people create power bases to: employ, mentor and monetise young black creatives the next 50 years will be spent pretty much like the last; protesting, demonstrating demanding fairer treatment from employers, the judiciary and law enforcement agencies who’s sole achievement so far has been to maintain the status quo.
A Black Perspective 